Notes There is a cap on the number of Peddlers allowed in Cambridge. Harvard Square is restricted by city ordinance and requires permission of the Police Commissioner.

Process:

Step 1:

The applicant obtains and completes the Annual Peddler/Vendor License application. If the applicant is using a truck, copy of the state Peddler's License for the applicant and all employees on the truck must be submitted. The truck registration must be provided.

Step 2:

If the applicant has a premises, ISD reviews the application for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. This step is not applicable for mobile trucks.

Step 3:

The applicant must submit all completed forms along with:

a detailed route, including time of stops,

truck registration, and

a copy of the Articles of Organization (if a corporation) or a copy of the Business Certificate obtainable from the City Clerk's Office, if applicable.

The applicant pays a $175 hearing and advertising fee. The License Commission will schedule a hearing on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month. The applicant is required to attend this hearing.

If approved, the License Commission will issue a Peddler/Vendor license upon receipt of inspection approvals and an annual license fee of $39.

Step 4:

If the vehicle uses propane, then the vehicle must be inspected by the Fire Department for compliance with the Department of Transportation & 527 CMR guidelines.

Step 5:

Both the License Commission and the Fire Department will conduct follow-up site visits.